A cool green oasis in the midst of barren stretches. That was Jamunadighi in Burdwan, our destination for a quiet weekend.

The place was a picture of rural tranquillity. There are two dozen fishing ponds and a long, narrow canal — all in a row. The fragrance of ripe mangoes, gulmohar and cashew hung in the air. The lengthening evening was like a painting — the golden rays tracing designs on the water and the gulmohar flowers adding splashes of red to the vermilion sky.

Walking through one of the several narrow paths between the water bodies, we tried to breathe in as much fresh air as possible.

Jamunadighi is a bird watcher’s delight. Several species like stork and heron and many that we couldn’t identify stood on the banks, patient and watchful. The sun finally bade adieu, leaving everything, including us, burnished and glowing.

We decided to wake up early the next day and see if we could spot more birds. And what a great time we had — there were plenty of them, busy catching their prey in the half-light of daybreak.

Later in the morning, people from the fisheries department dropped huge nets in the ponds. Rui, katla and mrigel are the common catch.

The Bhalki forest is an hour’s drive from Jamunadighi. From there, the forest crosses the Bengal border and enters Jharkhand.

After a sumptuous breakfast at the tourist complex, we headed for Bhalkimachan, on the edge of the woods.

Bhalkimachan is a beautifully decorated retreat. There is a pond nearby, shaded and surrounded by a garden. You can take a paddle boat ride in the pond.

This place was once famous for its bears. A black stone statue of a bear stands testimony to this at the gate of the rest house.

Going

Take a train (Black Diamond Express) from Howrah and get off at Mankar station after Burdwan. From Mankar, hire a car for Jamunadighi. Alternatively, take the Santiniketan Express to Guskara. From there, hire a car to Jamunadighi. Cars are easily available on the Guskara route. Charges: Rs 250.

Or take a bus via Durgapur Expressway and get off at Paraj More. You can get buses and other transport to Jamunadighi from here.

Staying

The only place to stay here is the Amrapali Tourist Complex. Bookings can be done from Bikash Bhavan (2nd Floor, North Block), Salt Lake. Telephone: 23376470, 23586832.